Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba

Modern businesses customer service is often reduced to scripted greetings and transactional exchanges, one story reminds us that true service—genuine, thoughtful, and human—can open doors far beyond the checkout counter.

In June this year, a Zimbabwean professional found himself in Barcelona, Spain, attending the Grand Prix as a guest of a client he had once delighted. The invitation wasn’t part of a business deal. It wasn’t a reward program or a corporate incentive. It was a gesture of gratitude—an acknowledgment of service that had gone above and beyond.

“All expenses except travel were covered,” he shared. “Ndakabatwa zvakanaka.” I was treated well.
That phrase—ndakabatwa zvakanaka—carries weight.

It speaks not just to the logistics of hospitality, but to the emotional experience of being honored, remembered, and valued. And in a time when many professionals feel unseen, underappreciated, or burned out, it’s a powerful reminder that excellence still matters—and that it’s noticed.

The Ripple Effect of Service
This story isn’t just a personal win. It’s a case study of what happens when service is done with a heart. When we treat clients not as transactions but as relationships, we create ripple effects that extend far beyond the moment.

In Zimbabwe, the economic pressures and institutional fatigue often erode the quality of service, stories like this are rare—but they’re not impossible. They show us that dignity in service is not just aspirational. It’s achievable. And it’s transformative.

The client didn’t just remember the service. They remembered how it made them feel. That’s the difference between good service and unforgettable service. The former meets expectations. The latter exceeds them—and leaves a mark.

Professional Dignity in Practice
This experience also speaks to the power of professional dignity. In many industries, especially those that involve direct customer interaction, staff are often undervalued. Their work is seen as routine, replaceable, or invisible. But when professionals show up with excellence, empathy, and integrity, they elevate the entire business culture.

It’s not just about being polite. It’s about being present. Listening. Anticipating needs. Following through. And doing it all with a sense of pride and purpose.
This wasn’t just a job well done. It was a moment of delight. And in doing so, it reminds us that service is not a low-level task—it’s a high-impact opportunity.

What Businesses Can Learn
For Zimbabwean businesses, this story is a wake-up call. It’s easy to focus on profit margins, operational efficiency, and digital transformation. But if the human element is missing, none of it sticks.

Customers remember how they were treated. They remember the tone, the attitude, the effort. And when they feel genuinely seen, they respond—with loyalty, referrals, and sometimes, invitations to international events.

Businesses that want to thrive must invest in service culture. That means training staff not just in procedures, but in empathy. It means recognizing and rewarding excellence. And it means creating systems that support—not stifle—the human touch.

What Professionals Can Take Away
For professionals across sectors, this experience is both inspiring and instructive. It shows that your work speaks for you. And when you serve well, you’re not just fulfilling a role—you’re building a reputation.

Many people in this country feel stuck or overlooked, this story offers hope. It says: Your excellence matters. Your attitude matters. Your effort is seen—even if not immediately.
And sometimes, that effort leads to unexpected blessings. Like a trip to Barcelona.

Tisu Vatengi: We Are the Customers
At Tisu Vatengi, we believe that service is a mirror of our values. It reflects how we see each other, how we honor each other, and how we build community. This story is a perfect example of that mirror reflecting something beautiful.

It’s a reminder that good service is not just about business—it’s about humanity. It’s about creating moments that matter. And it’s about recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to uplift, affirm, and connect.

So to every professional out there: keep showing up with heart. Keep delighting. Keep serving with dignity. Because someone is watching. Someone is remembering. And someone, someday, might just say: Come with me to Barcelona!

*Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a Marketing, Sales & Customer Service Consultant | For Suggestions and Training you can contact her on: [email protected]; +263 712 979 461 / 0719 978 335 / 0772 978 335